Consultant: Rice Should Get "Deferred Prosecution"

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Sunday, April 27, 2014
Robert Lang

Ray Rice and Janay Palmer in 2013 (AP file photo)

Ravens running back Ray Rice appears in an Atlantic City courtroom on Thursday to be arraigned on aggravated assault charges related to an alleged beating of his fiancee following an argument in an Atlantic City casino.

A sentencing consultant, who advised the legal teams of Bernie Madoff, Martha Stewart and Michael Vick believes that Rice's legal team will pursue a "deferred Prosecution" which would force Rice to serve supervised probation, pay a fine and community service.

Herbert Hoetler, who heads the National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA) believes prosecutors and the judge will take into account that Rice and Janay Palmer are now married, and continue to undergo counseling.

'Society is better off, better served by having them work off their sentence in the community, rather then spend six months in jail, at the taxpayers expense," Hoetler told WBAL'S "Ravens Saturday Huddle."

While Rice could face three to five years in prison on the charge of aggravated assault, he notes Palmer's testimony both at trial and at sentencing will have an impact on whether Rice is incarcerated.

'If the victim says we both made mistakes and I'd like to have him stay with me and stay in the community, that should have an impact on any sentence imposed by the judge," Hoetler added.

Initially Palmer was charged with simple assault following the February incident, but those charges were dropped.

A security video obtained by TMZ showed Rice dragging Palmer off an elevator.

Hoetler, who helps high profile defendants prepare for incarceration, says that judges often sentence high profile defendants to incarceration "to make an example of them."

Rice could also face suspension and or fines by the NFL.

The Ravens have continued to support Rice and have deferred any discipline against him until the criminal case is resolved.